Important Role of Red Meat in Children’s Diets Highlighted at Children in Scotland Conference

The important role of red meat in children’s diets is set to be part of a high-profile Children in Scotland conference being held at Queen Margaret University on Wednesday 20 March 2019.

The conference “Biting back: Transforming food experiences for Scotland’s children”, sponsored by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Queen Margaret University and the Soil Association Scotland, will focus on the latest research, creative approaches and current projects aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of children and their families.

Conference delegates will hear from Joe Fitzpatrick MSP, Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, practitioners and policy-makers in health, education and community planning as well as well-known food experts including The Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith and multi-award winning chef Gary Maclean.

The event will be chaired by Prof Brigid Daniel, Children in Scotland board member and Dean of the School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management at Queen Margaret University.

Jennifer Robertson, QMS Health and Education Manager, is facilitating a workshop at the event focussing on the role of red meat in our children’s diets.

“Red meat is a great natural source of protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins and plays an important part of a healthy, balanced diet,” said Mrs Robertson.

“The workshop will focus on how to incorporate lean red meat into children’s diets and affordable cuts for families on a budget. We will also look at de-bunking some myths about red meat, particularly around recommended portion sizes which, according to UK NHS guidelines, should be up to 70g per day or 500g per week.

“We will also look at the range of activities QMS offers to schools and community groups, including our successful Meat Voucher Scheme and some of the work that has been undertaken with our food education partners, encouraging delegates to get involved.” added Mrs Robertson.

For bookings and further information on the conference, visit www.childreninscotland.org.uk/food-conference-2019, email:events@childreninscotland.org.uk or call 0131 313 8828